British car production plunges to its lowest level in more than four decades - as automakers struggle to deal with falling demand
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British car production has plunged to its lowest level in more than 40 years as automakers struggle to deal with falling demand. It comes as ministers come under increasing pressure to relax electric vehicle targets amid warnings from the industry that it could result in factory closures and job losses.
![[So far this year, car production is down nearly 13 per cent on 2023 at 734,562 vehicles]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/22/93334787-14211623-image-a-15_1734645937528.jpg)
Around 64,216 new cars rolled off UK production lines last month, down 30 per cent from last year, according to industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It was the worst monthly performance for the industry since 1980 when Britain was gripped by industrial unrest and soaring inflation.
![[Electric cars must make up at least 22 per cent of sales for car makers this year, a figure that will rise to 80 per cent by 2030]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/22/93334769-14211623-image-a-16_1734645941344.jpg)
The SMMT highlighted that all major automakers in the UK have seen production decline, with output of electric vehicles falling nearly 46 per cent. So far this year, car production is down nearly 13 per cent on 2023 at 734,562 vehicles.‘These figures offer little Christmas cheer for the sector.
While a decline was to be expected given the extensive changes underway at many plants, manufacturing is under pressure at home and abroad,’ said SMMT head Mike Hawes. Around 64,216 new cars rolled off UK production lines last month, down 30 per cent from last year.
So far this year, car production is down nearly 13 per cent on 2023 at 734,562 vehicles. Electric cars must make up at least 22 per cent of sales for car makers this year, a figure that will rise to 80 per cent by 2030. He added: ‘Government can help by supporting consumers in the transition, fast tracking its Industrial Strategy for advanced manufacturing and, most urgently, reviewing the market regulation which is putting enormous strain on the sector.’.
